Dolphins playing well when it counts — the fourth quarter

Don't downplay the importance of that statement. The fourth quarter is winning time. It's one of the big keys to having success in the NFL and the Dolphins are doing the job on both sides of the ball.

Offensively, they've recorded two victories (Cleveland and Atlanta) in which they trailed at some point in the final period.

Much of the offense's fourth-quarter success is due to quarterback Ryan Tannehill. He's 21-for-29 (.724) passing for 192 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions in the fourth quarter.

"He's a monster," center Mike Pouncey said. "He's taken the next step and everyone can tell he's been playing well for us all season."

Defensively, the Dolphins haven't allowed a fourth-quarter touchdown. Two of their five interceptions and five of their nine sacks have come in the fourth quarter, and they've caused a fumble. The Dolphins are slamming the door late in games.

Cleveland got to the Dolphins' 16-yard line in the fourth quarter but couldn't score. Indianapolis got to the Dolphins' 23-yard line but never made it into the red zone (inside the 20). Atlanta had seven red zone snaps and walked away with just three points.

"We've been strong at the end of the games and we have been good in the red zone," defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle said.

Penalties rare

The Dolphins were only hit with two penalties for 13 yards against the Falcons. That follows having no penalties against Indianapolis and 10 for 77 yards in the opener against Cleveland.

The Dolphins' 12 penalties are tied for fourth-fewest in the NFL. Indianapolis leads the league with seven penalties.

Takeaway margin

The Dolphins are plus-two in takeaway/giveaway margin, which is often a way to gauge success. The Dolphins have four giveaways (two interceptions, two lost fumbles) and six takeaways (five interceptions, one fumble recovery).

Kansas City (3-0) leads the NFL at plus-nine. The Dolphins are tied for 11th with New Orleans and Buffalo.

The Dolphins were minus-10 last season and giveaway/takeaway margin has been a huge point of emphasis.

Tannehill fumbles

Tannehill has five fumbles and he's lost one. Tannehill has been sacked 14 times, which is tied for second-most in the league. Whether the fumbles have been caused by faulty pass protection or Tannehill not securing the ball, coach Joe Philbin said Tannehill has to improve in that area.

"He's got to do a better job with the football, there's no question about it," Philbin said. "The one we gave [the Falcons] at the 12-yard line, we can't have that stuff. It's a bad play but we can't compound it and make it a worse play."

Poor rushing

The Dolphins' running game ranks 27th in the league at 211 yards rushing, and they're 26th at 3.2 yards per carry. Neither Lamar Miller nor Daniel Thomas looks to be a starting-caliber NFL running back, but Philbin is keeping the faith.

"There's still room for improvement, there's no doubt about it," he said. "The biggest thing we're doing better is we're not having as many negative yardage plays where it's second-and-12, second-and-11. It's hard calling a game offensively when you're in those situations."